Does my phone support eSIM? — complete Australian guide

Most modern smartphones support eSIM — here's how to check yours

eSIM technology has been in smartphones since 2018. If you have a phone bought in the last three or four years, there's a good chance it supports eSIM.

How to check if your phone supports eSIM

The quickest way is to check your phone settings:

On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data. If you see an Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan option, your iPhone supports eSIM.

On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager, or Settings → Network → SIM Management. Look for an Add eSIM option.

iPhones with eSIM support

All iPhones from the iPhone XS (2018) onwards support eSIM, including:

Note: iPhones purchased in Australia from the iPhone 14 onwards are eSIM-only — they have no physical SIM tray.

Samsung phones with eSIM support

Most Samsung Galaxy S and Z series from 2020 onwards support eSIM, including:

Google Pixel phones with eSIM support

Other phones with eSIM support

What if my phone doesn't support eSIM?

If your phone doesn't support eSIM, you'll need a physical SIM card for your destination. Alternatively, consider upgrading — most new flagship phones now support eSIM, and iPhones purchased in Australia are eSIM-only.

One more thing — is your phone unlocked?

Australian phones purchased outright are usually unlocked and work with any eSIM. Phones purchased on a plan with Telstra, Optus or Vodafone may be locked to that carrier — check with your carrier before buying an eSIM.